Happy Labor Day
September 4, 2011
Celebrated by the government as a day to recognize the social and economic achievements of American workers, Labor Day was conceptualized in the late 1800s when labor unions formed. Today, Labor Day signifies a day without labor where government entities and many private employers allow their workforces to take a day off with pay.
This Labor Day, as you sip some lemonade, please don’t forget to give a toast to those who made it possible. Without them, there would be no standard 8-hour workdays and minimum wage!
FREE Movie Night!
August 25, 2011
Tonight, Thursday, August 25th, is the last night for “Movies and Music on Main”. Join us for fantastic and FREE family fun on Main Street (between University and Mission Inn Avenue)!
Bring your chairs and blankets and join us downtown at 7 p.m. to enjoy live musical entertainment. This week’s movie, “Tangled”, begins at 8 p.m. and will be projected on a big screen.
Popcorn and refreshments available. Local eateries will be open late.
A huge ”Thank You” to the Riverside Downtown Partnership for putting on this great summer event!
Parties, Fireworks, and ANXIETY!
July 4, 2011
It’s another Independence Day here in the good ‘ol United States of America, filled with barbecues, baseball games and some wholesome fun for the family, topped off with the age-old tradition of lighting up the night sky with dazzling fireworks. There’s only one problem… many of our beloved pets have no idea what’s going on and become frightened and anxious.
The hysteria caused by the loud noises of fireworks and celebrations can lead animals to destructuve behavior. Birds might begin to pick at themselves, dogs can jump through windows to get in, or out of, the house and away from perceived danger, cats claw furniture, and the list goes on and on. Many pets escape from their homes during this time and this can lead to fatal consequences. To help take the edge off your pets’ fear and keep them safe, we recommend the following:
A light sedative, such as Acepromazine, is highly effective in calming your dog’s nerves. It’s a pill that is given 4 hours prior to the fireworks show, or big party. Dogs may become a little drowsy and mostly want to sleep, but that is much better than them being terrified.
Another idea is to keep your pet in an area where they cannot escape. We sometimes put our cats in a pet carrier about 30 minutes before the fireworks begin. Another good place to put an anxious pet is in a small bathroom or laundry room because usually windows are higher than normal and pets would not be able to jump through in an attempt to escape.
Make sure birds’ cages are locked properly, and place a cover or blanket over the cage so they will feel calmer; maybe put on some soothing music or other sounds to help drown out the sound of the fireworks.
If you’re not into watching fireworks yourself, then it’s always a comfort to your pets to have you there with them at such a scary and confusing time. Make sure to have some treats ready and lots of comforting words, hugs and pats on the head.
We hope these these tips help reduce your pets’ stress during this exciting and loud holiday. Here’s wishing you all a safe and happy Independence Day!
(FREE) Concerts In the Park
June 24, 2011
The 18th anniversary of ”Concerts in the Park” begins tonight (and will occur every Friday until July 22nd) at the California Citrus State Historic Park from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Come make a night of it — set up a picnic dinner while you enjoy the music and atmosphere! Tonight, King Jazz Combo will be performing.
Were you aware that California Citrus State Historic Park preserves some of the rapidly vanishing cultural landscape of the citrus industry? The Citrus Park tells the story of this industry’s role in the history and development of California. The park also recaptures the time when “Citrus was King” in California, recognizing the important of the citrus industry in southern California.
Directions: Exit Van Buren Boulevard from the 91 Freeway and go south to Dufferin Avenue. For more information, please call the State Parks Office at 951-780-6222. Freewill donations accepted. No parking fees.
Proudly sponsored by California State Parks, California Citrus State Historic Park NPMC, Riverside Arts Council, City of Riverside Public Utilities, and Magnolia Center Rotary Club.
Happy Father’s Day!
June 19, 2011
Wanted to take a moment to wish a Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there! Click here to read our online color version of our May/June 2011 Chit Chat newsletter. I wrote an article about our dad on the front page of the Chit Chat. Tara and I were fortunate to have a wonderful father who cared about us while growing up, and still does!
Tara and I (and Brooklynn too), spent the day with our dad today, in celebration of Father’s Day, in Temecula. We took him to a gluten-free pizza restaurant on Winchester Road, and had a grand time. Brooklynn was well-behaved as usual, and ate vanilla soy ice cream and a gluten-free chocolate chip cookie. The weather was perfect, the company was even better, and the food was the icing on the cake!
Happy Father’s Day to all!
Happy Flag Day
June 14, 2011
Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States of America!
In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that officially established June 14 as Flag Day; in August 1949, National Flag Day was established by an Act of Congress.
The week of June 14 is designated as “National Flag Week.” During National Flag Week, the president will issue a proclamation urging U.S. citizens to fly the American flag for the duration of that week. The flag should also be displayed on all government buildings. Some organizations hold parades and events in celebration of America’s national flag and everything it represents.
Riverside Recycling Workshop
June 10, 2011
The Wood Streets Green Team is holding a Recycling Workshop on reducing, reusing, and recycling household waste on Sunday, June 12, from 3 pm to 5 pm. The workshop will be held at theHabitat for Humanity ReStore located at 2180 Iowa Avenue in Riverside.
All attendees are encouraged to bring any household items to the meeting to drop off as a donation to the ReStore. These will be qualified for tax purposes and receipts will be available.
The purpose of the workshop is to engage and educate the Riverside community on the practices and benefits of recycling. The workshop will focus on how recycling can be beneficial for the community and the environment. Recycling resources available to Riverside residents will be discussed.
Some of the questions answered during the workshop are:
- Why should I recycle? What does it do? What are the benefits? Is it worth the trouble?
- What happens to my stuff after I toss it in the blue bin?
- What can I toss into the blue bin? What can be recycled?
- I’ve heard recycling can actually be harmful to the environment. Is that true, and why?
- What about other waste — paint, construction material, cardboard, batteries, computers, e-waste?
- What about household goods?
- What’s the idea behind Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle?
- How successful is Riverside in its recycling efforts?
For more information, please contact Darin Salazar, Wood Streets Green Team representative, at 951-682-0324, or dsalazar@sbcglobal.net.
Happy Memorial Day 2011
May 28, 2011
Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday that commemorates United States soldiers who died while in the military service.
First enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War, it was extended after World War I to honor Americans who have died in all wars.
During this long weekend, we should all be thinking of the men and women who died while serving in the American military. You can observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries, flying the United States flag, or attending memorials.
We proudly recognize and honor every woman and man who lost their life while serving in the American Military!
20th Annual Vintage Home Tour
May 14, 2011
Today, Saturday, May 14, 2011 is the 20th Annual Riverside Vintage Home Tour from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. which is organized by The Old Riverside Foundation.
The tour will feature six historic homes, including the Ames-Westbrook House, an 1888 Queen Victorian home, which is also a Riverside Historic Landmark!
Tickets are $18 the day of the tour and include admission to the restoration faire at the Peter J. Weber House at 1510 University Avenue, and the chance to win a lovely gift basket. Click here for a map of the tour homes.
The tour proceeds are used to encourage the conservation of historic neighborhoods, sponsor educational programs on historic preservation, assist homeowners and building trades to learn preservation requirements and techniques for the preservation and maintenance of heritage structures, and promote dialogue among all preservation groups and individuals.
The Old Riverside Foundation is a non-profit, civic organization incorporated July 25, 1979 and is dedicated to the recognition, appreciation, and preservation of the built environment throughout Riverside and the Inland Empire.
Riverside Wienerfest 2011
May 5, 2011
It’ll be a day at the races for dog lovers in the Inland Empire as Sunny Oasis Rescue presents Wienerfest: Wieners-n-Wheels 2011!
Not only will you see Dachshund races which begin at 11 am, there will also be a custom car show, musical entertainment, canine costume contest, fabulous food booths, and a variety of vendors.
Dogs will be available for adoption — click here to see some of their smiling faces and wagging tails!
Where: Fairmount Park
When: Saturday, May 7, 2011
10 am to 3 pm
Make sure you bring your love of dogs and your hands, for some petting. Sunny Oasis Rescue is an all-volunteer canine rescue organization that admits it has a soft spot for Dachshunds. More information can be obtained by calling (951) 233-2413 or (951) 780-6718.
See you at the races….
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